AUSTIN, Texas - The political prognostications were on the money and Republican Gov. Greg Abbott will remain at his office at the Texas State Capitol.
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First elected in 2014, Abbott, a Republican, previously served as attorney general of Texas from 2002 to 2015.
As recently as two weeks ago, Abbott was leading his Democratic challenger, former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, by 20 points in a Quinnipiac poll.
The campaign finance disparity between the two was even greater. Valdez’s campaign recently reported raising about $680,000 with $303,000 in the bank. Abbott raised $5.7 million with $26.8 million in cash on hand in the same period.
In addition to governor and attorney general, Abbott was a justice on the Texas Supreme Court. Deeply conservative, Abbott in 2005 successfully advocated for the State of Texas to display the Ten Commandments in front of the Texas State Capitol in Austin.
Abbott favors open carry gun laws, is a self-proclaimed Constitutionalist, and is pro-life.
Abbott issued the following statement following his victory Tuesday night:
“I am deeply honored to continue serving the people of Texas as governor of our great state. I want to thank all the voters and volunteers who made this victory possible. Tonight, voters across Texas sent a clear message. They voted to build on the success of the past four years and to keep Texas on a path toward greater opportunity and prosperity. We must always remember that what unites as Texans is far greater than our differences. With the election behind us, it is time for us to work side by side to build a brighter future for every person in our state. Together, we will elevate Texas to even greater heights.”